Roles of general practitioners in shared decision-making for patients with cancer: A qualitative study

The shared decision-making (SDM) process for the treatment of pancreatic and oesophageal cancer primarily takes place with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the hospital setting. This study aims to explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) on their possible roles during this SDM process, their added value and their requirements for involvement in SDM.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 GPs about their views on SDM for patients with cancer. The interviews were analysed by two researchers using an inductive open coding approach.

Five potential roles in SDM were described by the interviewed GPs, of which the role as 'coach' of the patient was mentioned by all. GPs see their main added value as their long-standing relationship with the patient. To be able to participate optimally in SDM, GPs indicated that they need to be kept up to date during the patient's care process and should receive enough medical information about treatment options and contextual information.

GPs see different potential roles for themselves when involved in SDM. Hospital HCPs that want to facilitate GP involvement should take the initiative, provide the GPs with enough and timely information and must be easy to consult.